Our Communities

Maryland

Maryland, America's Free State, features a diverse landscape that ranges from rugged mountains to pristine coastal beaches. Maryland displays an impressive blend of the nation's northeastern and southern attributes and heritages, earning it another nickname: America in Miniature. The rural southern and eastern shores, found along the Chesapeake Bay, have a distinctly southern flair, while the densely populated center of the state exhibit more characteristics of traditional Yankee lifestyles.

Maryland's population of more than 5.9 million (Census 2009 estimate) centers primarily on the cities and suburbs surrounding Washington D.C., land that originally belonged to MD. Baltimore, home to more than 651,000 people, is MD's most populous city and shares its massive metro area with Washington, D.C., affording its residents and visitors easy access to the full range of the American experience. Annapolis, MD's capital city, is home to the U.S. Naval Academy. MD's other large urban areas include College Park, Columbia, Frederick, Hagerstown, Ocean City, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Salisbury.

Maryland is home to a wide array of healthcare facilities and providers. Hospitals in Maryland include Bon Secours Health System, Holy Cross Health, Howard County General Hospital, Johns Hopkins, Maryland General Hospital, Saint Agnes Hospital, Union Memorial Hospital, the University of MD Medical Center, and Washington Adventist Hospital. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene coordinates the various healthcare facilities throughout the state. Those with questions or complaints regarding medical malpractice or negligence in the State of Maryland may contact this department.

Maryland has a state-of-the-art public school system, with numerous options among parochial and private schools. Those seeking higher education have choices from more than 60 post-secondary institutions. Selections include the world-renowned Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University MD, Mount St. Mary's University, and 11 campuses of the University System of Maryland.

Maryland's economy relies on agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, service, and transportation. With Andrews Air Force Base, Fort Detrick, the Census Bureau, and several other federal agencies located here, the U.S. Government also holds a strong presence in MD. As the nation's third largest center of life sciences, Maryland is home to more than 350 biotechnology facilities and organizations that include the Human Genome Sciences, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Maryland currently leads the nation as the wealthiest state, and the combined areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. rank as the fifth largest retail market in the country.

Maryland abounds with cultural and recreational opportunities, maintaining the important role of the tourist industry in the region's economy. Baltimore and nearby Washington, D.C. are home to several ballet troupes, galleries, museums, symphony orchestras, and theatrical groups. Those seeking outdoor fun can sail on the Chesapeake Bay, sunbathe on Ocean City's pristine beaches, hike the scenic state parks including Rocky Gap, and visit the many picturesque Appalachian mountain areas such as Deep Creek Lake or Wisp Resort. Other popular destinations include the National Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo, St. Mary's City, and Washington D.C.'s National Zoo.